We heard a clear commitment to breaking the circuit and helping people to “live well” as Andy Burnham stood on the steps of No. 10 and delivered his first speech as Prime Minister. As a charity campaigning for genuine equality, we hope this signals a government that listens to the diverse communities it serves, including the growing number of young women who are being shut out of the labour market.
Today we heard a promise of a new economic model. We urge Andy Burnham and his Cabinet to ask one simple question of every major economic decision: what will this mean for young women?
Young women are more likely to shoulder unpaid caring responsibilities, more likely to work in insecure sectors, and more exposed to the technological changes reshaping entry-level jobs. Put simply, sustainable economic growth will remain out of reach if young women are left behind.
We also heard a commitment to supporting more young people into work through improved mental health provision and reforms to education. These are welcome ambitions. But young women face distinct barriers that must not be overlooked. They are more likely than young men to be economically inactive, driven in large part by worsening mental health and a disproportionate share of unpaid care.
Young women’s experiences of being out of work are not simply a variation of young men’s. They reflect different structural challenges and therefore require targeted solutions.
We are encouraged by Andy Burnham’s pledge to do things differently. Making that ambition a reality means recognising that economic policy is not gender neutral. A government serious about opportunity, growth and fairness must look at the economy through a gender lens and ensure that young women are not left behind once again.
Katharine Sacks–Jones, Chief Executive at Young Women’s Trust, said:
“Today our new Prime Minister promised to break the circuit, ensuring a new economic model to regain stability of our country. Whilst a new model is welcome, economic growth will only succeed if it works for everyone. Young women are being shut out of the labour market by a combination of unpaid caring responsibilities, insecure employment and technological changes affecting entry level roles. If the government is serious about growth, it must be serious about tackling the barriers young women face and making sure they’re not left behind.”